Nakhon Ratchasima, which is also known locally as Korat, is a four-hour drive from Bangkok and will be the venue for 33 sporting events including athletics, volleyball, amateur boxing, cycling, aquatics, football and tennis, while Bangkok and Chon Buri provinces will also co-host the event.

Bangkok, the main venue for the 1998 Asian Games, will stage hockey, baseball, lawn bowls and equestrian events, while Chon Buri on the eastern seaboard will host all water sports.

Following a meeting yesterday at Government House, it was decided that while Nakhon Ratchasima is a suitable venue for the games, other factors had to be taken into account. Acting deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop, who chaired the meeting, asked organisers to take into consideration the cost the budgets and renovations plus other things like athletes dormitories.

Chaipak Siriwat, the deputy chairman of the Games Administration Committee, suggested organisers make a new proposal to the government.

"Former Tourism and Sports Minister Sontaya Kunplome submitted Bangkok as the main venue for the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand. Therefore, if we want to change the venue from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima we have to submit a new proposal," said Chaiwat.

Seven committees have already been formed to help with the hosting of the Games, but Suwat said the opening and closing ceremonies and protocol should be looked after by an additional two committees.

A feasibility study to see if Nakhon Ratchasima is the most suitable province to host the 2007 SEA Games - including inspections of the main stadium, gymnasiums and the construction sites at all venues - will be made on March 5.

Meanwhile, the organising committees have already set a date for the Games, opting for between December 6 and 15.

"That time is very auspicious for Thai people. Apart from the nation-wide celebration for HM the King's 80th birthday on December 5, National Sports Day will also take place on December 16," said Suwat.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation